Yet it is these three sets of rules that define in great detail how real estate professionals (REALTORS) are to do their jobs properly, legally and ethically. And most importantly, they are in place to insure that all home buyers and sellers are protected by outlining the consequences if a real estate agent violates their legal and ethical duties.

THE TEN DEADLY SINS OF REALTORS*

Thou shall not lie the consumer

Thou shall not badly represent your client

Thou shall not consider yourself more important than the consumer

Thou shall not be incompetent

Thou shall not give or accept bribes for leads

Thou shall not commit loan fraud

Thou shall not treat people unequally

Thou shall not practice law

Thou shall not fool around with other people’s money

Thou shall not allow agents to do dumb things

*From Priscilla G Senecal, instructor for the Mingle School of Real

Each one of these “sins” is backed up by extensive legal and ethical codes which, if violated by a real estate agent, could result in suspension, loss of license, fines and even jail time.

The easiest way to summarize all of these laws and codes for me is to picture the person I love most in my life and imagine that I am representing him or her every time I am working with a buyer or seller.

Every time you work with a Realtor you should expect nothing less!

This is part one of a series in which I will discuss and give real life examples of each of the “Deadly Sins” to help you better understand them and in turn empower you to be a smarter home buyer or seller.